Did you know that Americans use almost as much petroleum on food as we do on transportation? We each consume about 400 gallons** of oil per year on agriculture.
Farming machines (from tractors & tillers, to combines and harvesters) guzzle fuel, while petroleum-based fertilizers gobble up more than a quarter of all US farming energy.
Time to eat... locally!
But transporting food accounts for the vast majority of petroleum in our diets.
On average, each meal ingredient travels 1,500 miles before landing on your plate! It follows that eating locally-grown food dramatically reduces your oil consumption.
Organic or not, local food is green food.
The Farmers Diner in Quechee, Vermont.
In nearby Quechee, Vermont, The Farmers Diner serves up tasty, affordable meals from local ingredients produced within a 70-mile radius.
Serving food produced within an hour's drive, The Farmers Diner epitomizes local eating.
The Farmers Diner serves delicious, locally-roasted coffee from the Vermont Coffee Company.
This is unpretentious diner food, served in a classic diner car, complete with counter service and swivel-stools:
A visit to The Farmers Diner is a step back in time, but with an eye on our environmental future.
From bacon, sausage & eggs, to bread, milk & cheese, to cider and maple syrup, The Farmers Diner serves locally produced food for your eating pleasure.
Local breakfast served all day.
"Food From Here" is sourced from many neighboring farms and bakeries.
For many of us, “Think globally, act locally” sounds good, but is too vague to help guide our daily choices.
The Farmers Diner motto issues a more specific call to action:
“Think locally, eat neighborly.”
Words to live by!
With such tasty advice, sometimes it is easy being green.
**Special thanks to Barbara Kingsolver’s Animal, Vegetable, Miracle for facts, figures and inspiration. It’s easy to read, and full of tips and recipes. Highly recommended!
Carrie Cahill Mulligan 